[Pictures] dnata expands into Belgium with the opening of a state-of-the-art cargo facility at Brussels Airport

dnata (Dubai National Air Transport Association), one of the world’s largest air services providers, continues to increase its global footprint and launches operations in Belgium by opening a new cargo centre and becoming the third freight handler at Brussels Airport.

The company’s expansion into the Belgian capital represents an investment of EUR 8 million and will create up to 100 local jobs with the company (currently it has already 40 workers, excluding the Singapore Airlines employees hosted in their offices). dnata’s new facility, which covers an area of 14,000 m², substantially increases the cargo capacity in the Benelux states allowing airline customers to enhance their operations in the region.

The state-of-the-art, ISO 14000 certified facility includes 4,500 m² warehouse space and is capable of processing 125,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It is equipped with the latest technologies and complies with the highest industry standards ensuring efficient and safe handling of all types of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, live animals, aircraft engines and vehicles. The building was taken over from Aviaârtner and renovated in only 10 weeks.

dnata has been already providing cargo handling services to 25 cargo and 8 passenger airlines at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. dnata will ensure a close cooperation between its Amsterdam and Brussels teams to leverage synergies and deliver the highest possible value for its customers at both airports.

In the inauguration ceremony attended by Aviation24.be, Erik de Goeij, Chief Executive

Officer, dnata The Netherlands and Belgium, said: “We are thrilled to establish operations at another important cargo hub. Our best-in-class facility at Brussels Airport significantly increases our cargo handling capacity in the region, which we expect to stimulate the local cargo industry. We see solid demand for our quality services and are confident that this strategic expansion will bring significant benefits to our stakeholders.”

“dnata is renowned for its customer-oriented approach, reliability and uncompromised focus on safety at all airports it operates across the globe. We all share a passion for excellence and will work hard to provide the best possible services to our Brussels customers, every day.”

“We are most pleased to welcome dnata at Brussels Airport as our third cargo handler”, said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company. “dnata has already positioned itself as a key cargo player at our airport with a dedicated infrastructure for pharmaceuticals and an active participation in our cargo community Air Cargo Belgium, consistent with Brussels Airport’s strategy to provide specialised infrastructure for vital sectors in our country, and to work towards mutual goals through collaboration. And so, it is with positive expectations I look forward to this new partnership.”

dnata’s first customer in Brussels is Singapore Airlines, which operates eight weekly flights with an annual capacity of 45,000 tonnes of cargo between Brussels and Singapore, using Boeing 747-400F aircraft.

Including Brussels Airport, dnata now provides quality and safe ground handling and cargo services at 88 airports in 14 countries. Every day, dnata’s dedicated employees handle over 1,900 flights and move more than 9,000 tonnes of cargo.